The Knight of the Order of the Star of Italy decoration was awarded by the Italian ambassador, Pasquale Terracciano, on behalf of the Italian president, Sergio Mattarella, in recognition of Paolo’s academic merit and of the valuable support that he has shown, on numerous occasions, for initiatives promoted by Italy through the embassy in London.

Professorial Fellow in Physics at Wadham, Paolo is a member of prestigious institutes including the UK Institute of Physics, the British Crystallographic Association and the American Physical Society. Over the course of his career he has been a scientific consultant for British and international institutions including the Max-Plank Institut fur Chemische Physick in Dresden and the PE3 evaluation panel of the European Research Council.

Of his 194 scientific publications, 43 are the result of collaborations with Italian institutions, testament to his close links to Italy. His many collaborations have included the European Spallation Source (ESS), in which he supported Italy's contribution, and the European project Ancient Charm, coordinated by Professor Gorini of Milan Bicocca University.

Professor Radaelli has sat on the Italian Embassy's scientific council, making important contributions to the activities of its Science Office, including membership of the panel that selects recipients of prizes and scholarships for young Italian researchers in the UK.

Paolo attended the ceremony at the Italian Ambassador’s Grosvenor Square residence on 13 July with his family and representatives of the UK academic community and Christina Howells, representing Wadham College.

Warden of Wadham College Ken Macdonald QC commented: “This is a high distinction and underlines the honour that the College feels in its association with Paolo.”